Ryan shared his journey of the year. He started with a positive journey at the start of the year and then things did not go well for him. He did not give up.

2021 it started smoothly by going to Hagley three days a week and two days a week at Ara. My course at Ara is called Introduction to construction. I have been learning about joinery, paving, wallpapering, painting, and learning how to use the water blaster. I have chosen my pathway for 2022 to do Level 3 Joinery.

At the beginning of the year, in week 2 I flew to Auckland to do the Spirit of Adventure. I got to see other deaf people on the boat. I really enjoyed doing a lot of things on the boat. Every morning we had to get up very early in the morning to jump off the boat. I did backflips and the water was warm. I would love to return to become a buddy and work on the ship.

At the end of term 2, I went downhill with personal situations. I was off school for 15 weeks. I was at home in Invercargill and I carried on working online with Ara. Joni was supporting me with my Ara work.

While I was at home for 15 weeks I felt bored.I enjoyed hanging out with my dog, Cooper. Now that I am back at school, my dog is sulking. He is missing me.

This year, I have completed most of my Ara work. I have completed a wallpapering course which I enjoyed. I am booked in for a joinery course for next year that will be three days a week. This will possibly include some work experience.